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Denim & Velvet Wiggle Dress

ARGH THIS DRESS TOOK FOREVER! At one point, I told Ruggy this might be the longest I’ve ever spent on a dress. Really, I’m not sure, because it was started in Texas and finished in New York…travel plays tricks on the mind…

I ordered this delicious medium-weight denim & velvet flocked yardage from Mood Fabrics online back in late July. It seemed totally appropriate for the middle of the summer. That’s sarcasm. But the fabric is amazing, it has a bit of stretch to it, and the velvet looks almost CGIed. It was meant for a maxi dress, but then my eyes fell on Butterick Retro 5880, and for once my heart strayed from the land of floor length!

Hello legs. Isn’t it odd that we want to drape our bottom halves in yards of fabric in summer, and expose them when a chill hits the air? I even took about 6 inches off altogether. Our building super stumbled upon us mid photo shoot and said Woooow, I like. Don’t you have black shoes? You need longer earrings. Have a white flower at your waist. I think it should be shorter.

I do think I’ll be taking that flower suggestion, but more Billie Holiday than floral belt.

The weight of the denim was perfect for the angular neckline. In a maxi it would have sat stiffly.

But that said, it did have plenty of flow for the draped section! Real talk, this fabric is made of magic.

Per Ruggy’s suggestion, I “lined” the edge of the drape– the pattern calls for it to be lined in fashion fabric, but that would have been One. Heavy. Drape. I was leaning towards leaving the raw edge exposed, but he thought a little trim would finish the dress off. He was right. So many opinionated men in my life!!! I used three yards of tiny chain link to sandwich the edge of the drape, and hand stitched it down on either side. You might have caught me toiling away with in metal and thread on my instagram.

And now, I present to you the guts. HA! IT’S A CIRCUS SHOW UP IN THERE!!! This printed cotton was meant for the back bodice of the previously intended maxi dress. Sort of a surprise when you turn around. Now it’s a surprise when you take it off.

NO ONE LIKES STRANGE SURPRISES WHEN TAKING SOMETHING OFF.

The pattern combo could’ve worked in a fun & funky way on the outside of a casual dress, but I don’t think it was the best choice for the innards of this formal frock! It has a stiffer quality, again, that would’ve played well on the outside…c’est la vie. I used a Hong Kong finish on the seams to try and make it look more…intentional….

Good god woman, how does Ruggy not just explode with sexy love joy whenever he sees you? This is so beyond glam I can’t deal. I need me some wiggle in my life….. and I like the funky insides. Takes some edge of the polish and feels a little badass, don’t it? I also love that your super is a total fashion critic. I gotta disagree and say you need that white flower in your hair, not at you waist. Rock the Billie magnolia on the street and car accidents will abound.

Wow I really like the neckline! And the fabric is super cool too, great job!

Geneva JonesSeptember 24, 2013

What a beautiful dress. Wish I could match up fabric and patterns as well as you do….how expensive was the chain link? I have a piece of silk taffeta that could possibly look good with this pattern. Your choice is always excellent!!!!!